Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Milan are set to face off on May 31 at the Allianz Arena in Munich for the 2024-25 UEFA Champions League final, determining the champion of Europe`s most prestigious club competition.
Inter reaches their second final in three seasons, aiming to win their fourth Champions League trophy. Their last triumph was in 2010 under Jose Mourinho, a season that famously secured them the treble. They lost the 2023 final 1-0 against Pep Guardiola`s Manchester City.
PSG, conversely, is still seeking their first Champions League title. This will be their second appearance in the final, having previously lost 1-0 to Bayern Munich in 2020, with Kingsley Coman scoring the decisive goal.
Luis Enrique`s team secured their place in the final by overcoming Arsenal in the two-legged semifinals. The French giants won the first leg 1-0 in London before sealing their qualification with a 2-1 victory in the return leg in Paris, thanks to goals from Fabian Ruiz and former Inter winger Achraf Hakimi.
Meanwhile, Inter earned their spot by eliminating Barcelona in the semifinals, following a quarterfinal victory over Bayern Munich. Simone Inzaghi`s side delivered one of the most memorable Champions League ties, winning the dramatic return leg 4-3 with a late goal from Davide Frattesi, after an initial 3-3 draw in Barcelona.
Both squads are packed with talent capable of influencing the final at any moment. Here`s a look at the top five players expected to make a significant impact in this year`s Champions League final:
How to Watch the Champions League Final, Odds
- Date: Saturday, May 31 | Time: 3 p.m. ET
- Location: Allianz Arena — Munich, Germany
- TV: CBS | Live stream: Paramount+
- Odds: Paris Saint-Germain +105; Draw +240; Inter +270
5. GK Yann Sommer, Inter
Choosing the best goalkeeper was difficult, especially considering Gianluigi Donnarumma`s impressive performances for PSG against teams like Liverpool and Aston Villa in earlier rounds. However, Yann Sommer has been outstanding for Inter, particularly shining in the semifinals against Barcelona. The Swiss international`s crucial saves, including a memorable stop against Lamine Yamal in the second leg in Milan, demonstrate why Inter signed him in the summer of 2023 as Andre Onana`s replacement. His reliability makes him a key player for the Nerazzurri.
4. Achraf Hakimi, PSG
Achraf Hakimi previously played for Inter during the 2020-21 season under Antonio Conte, where his explosive impact helped the Nerazzurri win their first Serie A title in 11 years. PSG signed him in the summer of 2021 for around $70 million. While Inter replaced him with Denzel Dumfries, who has significantly improved, Hakimi is still considered one of the world`s premier players in his position. Having scored the decisive goal against Arsenal in the semifinal, he now has the opportunity to win the trophy against his former club and teammates.
3. Lautaro Martinez, Inter
Inter`s captain has had another incredible season, building on his performance that earned him seventh place in the Ballon d`Or voting last year. The Champions League is arguably the most significant trophy missing from his career. His rapid recovery from a muscular injury sustained just six days before the semifinal second leg against Barcelona highlights his determination. His partnership with Marcus Thuram this season has been particularly fruitful, leading to improved goalscoring records and performances compared to the 2023 final when he played alongside Edin Dzeko and Romelu Lukaku.
2. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, PSG
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia`s move to PSG in the 2025 January transfer window has proven to be one of the best mid-season signings ever. The former Napoli winger quickly adapted to French football, showcasing his immense talent. Since joining Luis Enrique`s side, he has contributed four goals and six assists, swiftly securing a starting spot. Kvaratskhelia is arguably the most individually brilliant player set to feature in the final and is certainly one to watch for moments of game-changing skill.
1. Ousmane Dembele, PSG
PSG`s performance often hinges on Ousmane Dembele`s presence and form. If the French winger is fully fit and on top of his game for the 2025 final, he presents a significant challenge for Inter`s defense, even after they successfully navigated matchups against talents like Lamine Yamal and Raphinha in the semifinals. Dembele`s statistics this season are remarkable, with 33 goals and 13 assists across 44 games in all competitions, averaging a goal every 92 minutes. Winning the Champions League could cement his status as a potential Ballon d`Or candidate.
